Trujillo is a moderately large city in Northwestern Peru, very close to the Pacific Coast. Trujillo del Peru was founded in 1534 among 4 (of 3,500 archaeological sites in the valley) Chimu (& earlier remarkable cultures) settlements, to enable the Spanish to ally with them against the Incas. Due to its geographic location it is also known for its seafood and the beaches of its famous surf and beach resort Huanchaco.

Photomontage of Trujillo, the city is considered the capital of culture of Peru because inthis place were formed many great peruvian men as Cesar Vallejo and Victor Raul Haya de La Torre, and also because the important traditions of the city as marinera dance

Pizarro street in historic centre of Trujillo

Trujillo is considered the cradle of the typical Peruvian paso horses

Ceviche is a typical dish in Trujillo, it was originated in Moche culture about 2000 years ago

iPeru, Jr. Diego de Almagro 420 (just at the Plaza de Armas), 0-44-29-4561, [1]. Mon-Sat 8AM-7PM, Sun 8AM-2PM. iPeru is the government Tourism Information office in Trujillo. They provide independent information for free. They have also good city maps and a list of hotels in the city.

There is a new modern "Terrapuerto" in Trujillo which opened in 2015, many of the bus lines depart/arrive here. It is located rather inconveniently in an industrial area to the south of Ovalo Grau. There is also a cluster of bus companies located on Avenida Nicolas de Piorola serving destinations to the north.

Transportes Linea[4] is a good value bus company to most destinations in north Peru. There is a fairly universal ATM in their departure lounge on Avenida America Sur.

Movil Tours[6] comes from Lima, leaves Trujillo in the afternoon via Chiclayo (3 hours) for Tarapoto/Chachapoyas. They & Transportes Linea have good night buses to Huaraz. You can catch a morning Transportes Linea bus to Chimbote to then catch a bus up the spectacular Cañon del Pato to Huaraz in the day with Turismo Huaraz.

Cruz del Sur is the most expensive. However, they have one of the best transport records in Peru, with few accidents, and always provide two drivers for their routes. They also have upgraded new buses for certain routes including the Trans-oceanic to Brazil, which are roomier and more comfortable than some of the other bus companies.

The safest way to get a taxi without being overcharged is to use the "Easy taxi" app on smartphone.

Official taxis are yellow with post card sized municipal stickers of the city's coat of arms on the windscreen. They may have a surprising array of tactics to take you to more distant, expensive, isolated hotels & destinations to monopolize your future custom. The taxis from the airport (blue) & more expensive bus companies (who privilege some drivers) may be the most ambitious. If they see you are frugal they may drop you off near to the terminal to return to find more lucrative passengers.
A taxi should not cost more than US$2 from any bus terminal to Trujillo, or US$5 to Huanchaco. Taxi drivers prefer to go to Huanchaco as there are more opportunities for overcharging, & obtaining a return trip. A taxi should not cost more than US$5 from the airport to Trujillo.
Taxis may charge US$5 per hour around the urban part of the Province of Trujillo, & more reliable & expensive taxis & drivers are required for greater distances than 15km from Trujillo centre.
Buses and combis to Huanchaco cost 1.50 nuevos soles from Trujillo downtown, and they can be taken around España Avenue.
Cruise ships may carry 1,000, 2000 or 3,000 people, who might expect to pay US$10 per hour for a taxi.
To enter the port gates taxis require a permit (days ahead) from the Captain of the Port, so drivers usually wait outside the port gates, less than 1 kilometre from the jetties.
Cruise companies keep quiet about arrivals, use cumbersome 50 passenger bus groups, sell their own tours for US$140 (compared to US$50 with local travel agencies), so between 0 - 100 taxi drivers may be waiting at the port gates. There are no more than 13,000 taxis formally registered in the Province of Trujillo.

Most taxis are yellow, tiny Ticos, better suited to inner cities than highways, or superseded Asian models. Note the registration number to find them again. Most drivers do not work in tourism, speak English, know journey distances, times, opening hours of attractions nor colonial city centre streets. See taxis & warnings below.

For local travel to nearby Chan Chan or Huanchaco, buses and combis are a good budget option. On the main roads look for red and yellow buses heading westward with Huanchaco painted on the bus or combis with a Huanchaco placard on the front. It will cost S/2 for a ride to Huanchaco that passes by Chan Chan (ask to get off at Chan Chan if you are not going all the way to Huanchaco). Look for the same coming back. The A, B, H signs on the front of the buses indicate where they are going once they get into Trujillo. For example H buses go south to Av. America Sur.

Chan Chan ruins. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The capital of Peru’s largest pre-Inca empire, now reduced to 20 square kilometers (4,940 acres) of eroded adobe. The city was abandoned in the 1470s, when Chan Chan was overrun by the army of Inca general Túpac Yupanqui. To get there, you can hire an official taxi and/or Official Tourist guide who will make the round-trip from Trujillo and wait while you are in the ruins. Or, for more budget/adventurous travelers, take a combi/colectivo headed to "Huanchaco" from Ave. España or from the main stop near Óvalo Grau, or the corner of Avenida Los Incas with Huayna Capac. Ask the driver to let you off at the Cruce de Chan Chan (7 km) and walk about 1.5km down a dirt road that leads to the ruins - or take one of the taxis that wait by the gate. The entrance fee is S/. 10, and also includes entrance to the museum located about 500m down the road (Trujillo direction) from the turn off, as well as Huaca Esmerelda and Huaca Arco Iris.edit

Huaca de la Luna y Sol (and Site Museum). 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Don't leave Trujillo without a visit to this site. These were built during the Moche empire (A.D. 100–800). The farthest, Huaca del Sol (Temple of the Sun), was an administrative center, and the other, Huaca de la Luna, was a religious complex. Houses the most dazzling and best-preserved murals in all of Peru. Very affordable souvenirs available at the site. Your entrance ticket to the ruins (S/. 10) includes a free guided tour in English or Spanish, you just have to wait until the group is big enough to start the tour. If you want to visit the museum you have to pay 5 more soles, but it's worth it. To get there from Trujillo center, jump on one of the combis/colectivos between Huayna Capac and Suárez on Avenida Los Incas near the Mercado Mayorista that say Campiña de Moche / Mochica Chimu and the letter "M" - they are blue and white and charge S/. 1.50 (2 soles at June 2019). Another easy place to catch the combi is at Ovalo Grau - the southernmost exit. It will drop you off at the Museum's entrance; after you visit the museum, it is a short 5-10minute walk to the ruins. A combi will be waiting for you in the car park to take you back to Trujillo.S/. 10 (Huaca) / S/. 5 (museum). edit

Wall around the university shows the environment and history of northern Peru in the world's longest mosaic. The quality is good.

Laguna Conache Place for sandboarding. Locals go there to have bath in the small lake and have a lunch, especialy on the weekends. Entrance is 3 soles (feb 2017). Sandboards are rented on the spot for 15 soles, but the quality is not very good and they dont have many boards for people riding regular stance (left leg in front). If you do take the board, use lot of wax before every ride and look for the part of the dune, when the sand is more solid, otherwise its hard ride down. There is also 1 sol extra fee for using the dune. Instructors can be hired on the spot. Its fun, but the ascends to the top are very demanding in the heat so do take a lot of water, sunblock and shoes (the more sturdy the better). Its almost impossible to do it in flip flops or sandals as the sand is very hot. To get there from Trujillo, the shuttle bus (1,5 soles) departs from the crossroad of av. espaňa and av. victor larco herrera towards Laredo - ask to be dropped at the market, where you change for the shuttle (2 soles) going to the laguna conache. It takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to get there.

Moche Pyramids[11] Huaca del Sol y de la Luna. One hour Combi ride from between Huayna Capac to Ovalo Grau on America Sur. Very well conserved.

El Brujo[12] archaeological complex (60km) has an equally good site, museum and views from coast to Andes.

Museo Cassinelli Located in the basement of a gas station not far from the centre, this is private collection of Moche ceramics Tel: 282222 Nicolas de Pierola 607.

Chan Chan Archaeological site. Located 5km west of the city proper, Chan Chan [13] is an impressive set of ruins of an ancient Chimor mud city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. S/.10 Entrance fee is valid for four sites, Chan Chan, on-site museum, Huaca de Esmeralda and Huaca Arco Iris, altough they are all quite apart. The main site is on the frequent bus route to Huanchaquito and 15 minute walk.

Marinera Festival in late January around Trujillo and neighbouring towns [14]

Spring Festival in late September. [15]. Both include horses, dancers and numerous cultural events. Programmes are approved late, but those of the previous years are a helpful guide.

La semana de Pascua, the week of Easter. In Trujillo and neighboring towns processions and crucifixion reenactments are held.

Spanish, Quechua or other languages at the universities, pan flutes, marinera & other folklore at the National Institute of Culture.

If you prefer to learn Spanish in a setting slightly quieter than the hustle-and-bustle of Trujillo, try Huanchaco (about 20 minutes from Trujillo, should cost 1.50 Sol by combi ) which has several good Spanish teachers who teach volunteers and tourists.

Trujillo is a city with an increasing economy, modern financial centers can be found near the city center.

WindAid is a social entrepreneurship group. They design, build, and install wind turbines for communities in Peru who are in need of electricity and light. They offer various volunteer opportunities. Website: http://www.windaid.org/home.html

Trujillo has a large local shoe making industry. Venture down to the shopping district, in and around Pizarro road and Ayacucho Road and pick up some hand made beautiful leather shoes.

Other leather goods, woodcarvings & replicas of Precolombian ceramics in the beautiful old colonial centre and at archaeological sites.

For modern brands:

Mall Aventura Plaza: On the way from Trujillo to Huanchaco. A supermarket "Tottus", 2 department stores (Saga Falabella and Ripley), a Food Court (McDonald's, KFC, etc.), Cinemark, banks, atms, and many other stores can be found here.

Cafe Van Gogh, Jiron Independencia 533. Located just a block from the Plaza de Armas. Food is geared towards breakfast/brunch but is open for dinner as well. Full breakfasts, crepes, sandwiches, burritos, desserts, coffee, and juice are some of the offerings. Staff is very friendly and the slightly tucked away location makes for a relaxing atmosphere. Free wi-fi too. S/12-20 (August 2014)

Cafe Oviedo, 737 Pizarro (the pedestrian street). You can gorge an amazing American breakfast for these parts, 11 soles for: juice, a real coffee, bacon, eggs, toast, jam and the waiter is reassuringly fat! Kinda pricey for the backpacker but worth it for a treat.

Rincon de Vallejo', Orbegoso 303, cross with San Martín, one block from the Plaza de Armas[16]. Has good, cheap typical food & set meals for breakfast, lunch, evening meals, dessert & coffee. Larger branch for groups at España 734, near corner of 1st block of Orbegoso.

Pilsen Trujillo, now Backus & Johnston supports the Huaca de la Luna project.
Ron Cartavio, the rum distillery supports the El Brujo Archaeological project.
Chicha de Jora, an alcohol based corn beer is available in the local countryside.
The chicha of Magdalena de Cao, near El Brujo, has been rated the best in Peru.

Trujillo's nightlife starts late. One can make it out Thursday night, but things reportedly don't start up until midnight, while Friday and Saturday are more popular. Locals recommend Mecano Bar one block from the main square. Beware of invitations to non-existent Salsa Festivals, parties & similar scams.

Hostal El Ensueno, Junin 335. . Quite basic place but get too scared by the outside appearance. Rooms were OK, including a TV.s55 for a double room. edit

"Hostal El Principe" Av. Los Incas N° 256, Trujilli, Peru. TEL 044 615870 / 959217336. Budget friendly option about a 10 minutes walk from the center. Rooms start at 30 soles (ask for their cheapest room) and the place is clean but don't expect luxury at this price. They are open 24h, have wifi and hot water. It's a bit noisy due to its location on a main street asking for a quiet room at the back could be a good idea (Sept. 2018).

Casa de Clara Cahuide 495, Santa María, Trujillo, Peru Tel 044 299997 / 243347 / 949662710 [17] Informative guest house in quiet part of town (across the street from a park) about 10 minutes on foot from center. They offer dorm beds, no bath, for 15PEN per person (as of May 2013), but you must show up with 2+ people in your group, or else the price is 20PEN for solo travellers. For nicer private rooms and maybe even TVs, opt for the "with bath" option for 25/35PEN. They offer guides for tours, city information & home-cooked meals. Free Wifi. Laundry 7 PEN/kilo dry and ready after a half day. 600 metres from the Plaza de Armas. Very secure. Convenient for the new Swimming Pool and Sports Centre, buses to archaeological, sites, beaches and malls.

B&B Orrego, K22 avenida Antenor Orrego, Covicorti, Trujillo, Peru Tel 0051 997781816 - [email protected] From 10.00 Euros per person in a double room, including breakfast. Recommended as they offer transfers and excursions from the hotel directly. Good value for money, great atmosphere. English / French and Spanish speaking. Free internet in the rooms + TV cable.

Hotel Isis[18] Mz K ' LT 30, San Isidro 2 Etapa, Trujillo, Peru Tel 044 253094 / 954617930 [19] Five blocks to the Plaza Mall, this hotel offers single rooms with private baths, 24-hour hot water, flat screen TVs and full cable, and nicely appointed accommodations starting at $22 per night (as of 10/14). The hotel is located in a quiet part of town about 15 minutes on foot from the mall, where a large food court and plenty of shopping can be found. They also offer matrimonial suites and suites with jacuzzis. Every morning there is a free buffet breakfast served in the lobby. Free Wi-fi is also included. Laundry service costs 15/PEN and is ready after a half day. 24-hour reception and very secure. The swimming pool and outdoor grill are available during the summer months. They can also help arrange tours to local attractions such as Chan Chan, as well as safe taxi transport to bus lines and neighboring cities. English spoken.

Strenua Las Quintanas Calle Federico Chopin 505, Las Quintanas, Trujillo, Peru Tel 044 253011 / 974804787 / 948458899 [20] It is a guest house in a residential part of town very close to restaurants and a shopping area. It is about 12 minutes walking from center. All rooms are fully furnished. Reasonable prices for good service in a family atmosphere. Cost of the rooms: double rooms for US$ 22 a night, suites for US$ 27 a night and apartments for US US$ 32. The service includes breakfast, cable TV and WiFi free internet. Each room has a minibar. Laundry service is additional.

Hospedaje Derroches Av. 9 de Octubre 605, Trujillo, Peru Good economical option not far from center, double rooms cost S.30 and S.40 if you want one with window on the street (quite busy). Rooms are big, with TV and hot shower, and the place is clean.

Hotel Gran Bolivar Jr. Bolivar 957 Tel. 044 222090 . A bit further out than the main hotels surrounding the Plaza Armas, this place is well worth the walk. Huge double room with terrace will cost about S.160 ($50). Free Wi-fi in all rooms. Good buffet breakfast. Reception all speak English.

Beware of unsolicited approaches from people purporting to be from hotels, travel agents, surf & salsa teachers & invitations to parties. Surprisingly attractive young people have learned phrases in numerous languages to convince you they coincidentally have a similar profession, interest in your language or country; or their family & friends in your country. They may 'happen' to bump into you several times during your stay. The more backpacks, daypacks, cameras, moneybelts, sunglasses & jewellery you display, the more you look like a Christmas tree. Recently they have been finding excuses to change false Peruvian and US dollar bills. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-19240999

Be careful at ATMs & on leaving banks, displaying cash in shops etc. Do not carry around belongings any more than is necessary & try not to put them down unobserved/unattended during transfers, in restaurants, internet cafes, buses etc.

Official taxis have post card sized municipal stickers with the city's coat of arms on it. They may have a surprising array of lies & other tactics to take you to more distant, expensive, isolated hotels & destinations to monopolize your future. The taxis from the airport, port & more expensive bus companies are the most ambitious.

Although they have one of the largest taxi fleets in Trujillo, be wary of "Americas" taxis. They have an awful reputation with regards to crime. The most reliable ones are "New Taxi" (blue taxis), "Trujillo Service" and "Teletaxi".

Beware of touts offering tours or hotels, it is much cheaper and convenient to book tours and hotels yourself, to avoid paying their commission or getting scammed.

Motorcycle parts can be found readily on the north loop of Avenida Espana. Near the Star of David gas station on America Sudoeste, an excellent bike mechanic has a shop one block west of the major intersection of Orruga and America.

A cool breeze is deceptive: a sun hat and sun block are recommended for visits to the beach and ruins, especially in summer. During the coastal winter, expect cloudy days.
Also look out for the llamas... they are indigenous to the area and are commonly confused between their own kind and the local people. With such confusion they tend to try to mate with the locals and tourists. So just watch your back!